4 players to watch in Real Madrid's preseason match against Chelsea
- Real Madrid play Chelsea in their final preseason match before the UEFA Super Cup
- Los Blancos have yet to find their first win this summer
- Real Madrid vs Chelsea kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. ET
As Real Madrid look to secure their first preseason victory this summer, expect to see both young talent and the team's best players take the field against Chelsea.
Just three months after winning the Champions League, Real Madrid's preseason has not started the way Carlo Ancelotti would like. Los Blancos lost to both AC Milan and Barcelona in the span of a week, and now, they face Chelsea in their final warmup before the UEFA Super Cup on Aug. 14.
Of course, the 2023/24 LaLiga champions have been without most of their superstars who competed at Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Fede Valverde. Even in their absences, though, there is still a wealth of players to watch as the next generation prepares to make their mark in Madrid.
4 players to watch in Real Madrid's preseason match against Chelsea
4. Arda Guler
After a breakout performance at Euro 2024, Arda Guler is one of the most exciting players to watch at Real Madrid. Unlike last year, there will be plenty of opportunities for the 19-year-old to play this season now that Toni Kroos has retired and Luka Modric's minutes will continue to decrease.
Guler has started both preseason games for Los Blancos, and assisted Real Madrid's only goal so far. His creativity with his left foot will make all the difference in close matches, and will help a sometimes stagnant attack get on the scoresheet.
3. Endrick
At just 18 years old, Endrick has already made his Real Madrid debut and then some. The striker started both preseason matches for Los Blancos, and although he has not found the back of the net, he has shown plenty of quality as he continues to find his footing and link up with his new teammates.
In the wake of Joselu's departure, Endrick will be looked upon to deliver as the back-up No. 9. He might lack experience, but his pace offers a different threat in the final third, allowing him to run in behind defenders and finish with his left foot.
The wonderkid will look to continue developing his game against Chelsea, especially since he has not had many clear-cut chances this preseason.
2. Rodrygo
Rodrygo had a forgetful summer for Brazil. The 23-year-old scored zero goals at Copa America 2024, and was one of the most disappointing players for the Selecao at the tournament.
No one will be more eager than Rodrygo to put the summer behind him, and playing against Chelsea is the first step. Plus, with Kylian Mbappe's arrival, Rodrygo will be the player who adapts the most up top, and it will be interesting to see where Carlo Ancelotti deploys him in his first preseason appearance.
1. Vinicius Jr.
As always, Vinicius Jr. is the player to watch for Real Madrid. Like Rodrygo, Vini Jr. had a disappointing Copa America 2024 campaign with Brazil; the forward only scored against Paraguay and was suspended for the quarter-finals. The good news for Madridistas is that the forward always delivers for Los Blancos.
After making a brief appearance against Barcelona on Saturday, expect Vini Jr. to play more minutes against Chelsea as a final warmup before the UEFA Super Cup. The Blues' backline will be a good test for the Ballon d'Or frontrunner as he looks to regain his elite form.